Mischievous Swing

Years at Winfield: 

Mischievous Swing is a driving quartet that specializes in bringing Jazz to an acoustic context. Rooted in tradition, but also deeply committed to innovation, Mischievous Swing provides a refreshing voice in both Jazz and Acoustic genres. Covering the rich scope of Jazz, the band's music invites the listener to take a journey as they experience the rhythms of Latin America, the sounds of French cafes and Gypsy camps, and the swing of Jazz Clubs in New York, Chicago or Kansas City. Whether they are performing classic jazz standards or original compositions, Mischievous Swing is sure to get your foot tappin'. Bound together by family and deep musical friendship, Mischievous Swing is a tight band that celebrates the joy of making music.

Band members include: Isaac Eicher (mandolin), known nationally for his prowess in mandolin contests, combines the technical precision of artists like Chris Thile with the harmonic ideas of musicians like George Benson, Stochelo Rosenberg and Oscar Peterson. Shelby Eicher (violin), a professional musician for over 30 years, has worked with numerous national artists including J.J Cale, Bruce Forman/Cowbop, and Roy Clark (band member 15 years). Shelby evokes a Hot Solo style Jazz of artists like Stephane Grappelli and Benny Goodman with the melodic phrasing of Jazz's best vocalists. Ivan Peña (guitar), has intensely studied the gypsy style of Jazz, mastering its virtuosic technical demands and its unique character. Sharing his music throughout Oklahoma for many years, Ivan has gained a reputation as a breathtaking performer. Nathan Eicher (Bassist), has a masters degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in Jazz Studies. Nathan approaches the bass in a way that is both technically demanding and highly emotional, with a pulse that always grooves. Taken together, Mischievous Swing play music that is emotionally expressive, sophisticated and highly creative.

Shelby Eicher 
Shelby’s career has been that of diversity. From performing, recording and appearing on Hee Haw with Roy Clark for many years, Shelby has led the Tulsa Playboys and recorded with some true greats: J. J. Cale, Leon McAuliffe, Hank Thompson, The Tractors, Bruce Foreman to name a few. Ever being interested in education, Shelby has served as Education Director for the National Fiddler Hall Of Fame and taught many private students. It’s here that we see not only performer but composer emerge with this Gypsy influenced Jazz Quartet.

Isaac Eicher 
Isaac, having won the Walnut Valley Mandolin Championship in 2006 and Rockygrass Mandolin Championship in 2010, is a gifted player. At age 22, he is finishing his degree at the University of Oklahoma in Spanish studies. It’s rare when someone is able to bring a nearly unrecognized instrument into a genre of music and make it speak so clearly.

Nathan Eicher 
The oldest son of accomplished musicians, Shelby Eicher and Janet Rutland, Nathan was exposed to music at an early age. Nathan began playing base at age 13 and has played with many acclaimed musicians. In 2012 Nathan received a Masters Degree in Music (Jazz Studies - Commercial Music Production from the University of Central Oklahoma).

Ivan Peña 
Ivan is a guitarist from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has played jazz in many countries for the better part of a decade and continues to work and study at the University of Oklahoma.

See in Walnut Valley Contest Winners: